Allergy sufferers often turn to antihistamines or other pharmaceutical remedies for relief from runny noses, itchy eyes and congestion caused by seasonal allergies. But there are natural solutions available which may also help.
Animal models show that OIT can successfully increase tolerance or desensitization to food allergens via administration into the digestive tract; however, due to safety concerns this treatment option cannot be administered to humans.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a traditional complementary therapy, has proven successful at treating numerous health conditions. It is particularly helpful in managing pain relief and can reduce chronic aches and swelling in joints; in addition it may ease allergies.
Acupuncture involves inserting needles into specific acupuncture points (or acupoints) on the body, stimulating its nervous system and helping your body produce natural painkilling chemicals like opioids and serotonin which act as natural painkillers in the brain. Acupuncture can be used to treat various pain conditions including back and neck pain, arthritis and fibromyalgia as well as relieve shingles symptoms, menstrual cramps and headaches – it’s an accepted part of integrative medicine so combined with other treatments you may achieve greater effectiveness than ever.
Considering acupuncture to treat allergies? Be sure to select a reliable practitioner by looking for someone who holds both a license to practice in your state and has undergone training in the field. Ask your physician for recommendations. Before beginning treatments, conduct an interview with each practitioner regarding how many sessions are necessary and the costs associated with each one. Also inquire as to whether insurance covers these treatments.
Studies on acupuncture for allergies are limited, yet some have demonstrated its ability to relieve symptoms such as runny noses and itchy eyes and ears. Acupuncture can also be combined with immunotherapy or herbal remedies as part of an overall approach.
Acupuncturists use single-use needles with gentle electrical pulses applied at certain acupoints. Treatments tend to be painless; however some patients may experience slight soreness or tingling in certain points. Acupuncture should not be undertaken if you have a pacemaker as its electrical pulses could interfere with its functionality.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, an acupuncturist can suggest skin or blood tests to identify which allergens cause your symptoms and allow you to either avoid them altogether or take medications such as antihistamines to alleviate allergy symptoms. You could also try allergy shots containing substances which cause them and over time desensitizing yourself to them.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy (also called aquatherapy or hydropathy) uses water to facilitate healing and relaxation. It may reduce pain or improve mobility; hydrotherapy is often combined with other treatments; for example it could aid people living with chronic health conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia or assist them in recovering after surgery or injury. Before including hydrotherapy as part of your plan it is advisable to discuss it with a physician or physical therapist first.
Hydrotherapy involves immersing patients in either hot or cold bath water, or tubs equipped with specific equipment designed to deliver water jets, underwater massage, and other types of bodywork. Hydrotherapy sessions may take place both professionally or at home; either way it’s wise to seek out an experienced hydrotherapist that has been certified by a naturopathic medical association so you don’t encounter bogus claims regarding its benefits.
Hydrotherapy offers many advantages to allergy sufferers. It can reduce sinus pressure and ease congestion by loosening mucus in the nose and throat. Furthermore, hydrotherapy may lower allergy symptoms by decreasing body histamine production.
Some individuals find hydrotherapy helps lower stress levels and ease allergy symptoms, helping with joint pain by decreasing inflammation and increasing blood circulation while increasing mobility. Furthermore, hydrotherapy promotes endorphin release – our bodies’ natural painkillers.
Hydrotherapy has a rich and long-standing tradition across multiple cultures around the globe, from Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations for both beauty and health purposes all the way up to spas and athletic training centers today.
Persons suffering from allergies should consult with a medical provider prior to beginning hydrotherapy, so they can receive recommendations for safe practices and the most suitable treatment options. In addition, acupuncture and immunotherapy may also help treat their allergies; medications may only provide short-term solutions though.
Sublingual immunotherapy
SLIT (Sublingual Immunotherapy with Drops, also known as sublingual immunotherapy or sublingual drops) is an alternative allergy treatment option that does not involve shots. Instead, this immunotherapy method delivers drops directly beneath the tongue to be absorbed by the lining of your mouth – similar to Oral Immunotherapy but without injections! Currently it can treat allergies related to Ragweed, Northern Pasture Grasses like Timothy, and Dust Mites; its first 10 weeks (escalation or buildup phase) sees your daily dose increase gradually from diluted to full strength before moving on to Maintenance Phase where meetings will allow your allergist assess your progress while making necessary adjustments on dosing adjustments as necessary based on each person’s individual progress based on that person’s needs as well as dosing adjustments.
SLIT differs from OIT in that allergen is administered sublingually via drops containing diluted allergen extracts, and placed under the tongue for several minutes before swallowing to allow undigested allergen to enter cells that help promote tolerance in your mouth lining lining cells and promote tolerance. It has become very common across Europe but has more recently gained prominence within the US market.
Allergen immunotherapy is an efficient and safe method of treating environmental allergies such as hay fever, sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and sinusitis. Furthermore, this therapy may help protect patients with asthma from developing new sensitivities while relieving symptoms already present in existing sensitivities.
SLIT may not be covered by insurance, but it provides an easy and more cost-effective option than OIT for allergy sufferers with higher deductibles or copays on their medical plans. Since patients can take the drops themselves at home to save travel costs and scheduling issues.
Importantly, if you are taking sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), oral or nasal antihistamines or nasal sprays could compromise its efficacy as an allergy treatment method. Furthermore, open sores or cuts in your mouth must not use this form of treatment, while alcohol should also be avoided while taking SLIT. Should an allergic reaction arise while using this form of therapy, an EpiPen should be used immediately in order to inject epinephrine before seeking emergency care.
Medications
As allergy medications can provide effective relief from seasonal or year-round allergies, many find them beneficial in managing symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose. Unfortunately, allergy medications may not always do what is intended; there could be multiple reasons for this; including incorrect diagnosis, using the wrong type of allergy medicine or medication resistance.
Allergen immunotherapy is an alternative approach to treating allergies that involves injecting small doses of allergens to develop tolerance and reduce immune system responses that trigger allergy symptoms. Treatment sessions usually occur at a doctor’s office or clinic.
Saline nasal irrigation may provide effective allergy relief by clearing away irritants from your sinuses. Saline rinses can be purchased at most drugstores in a neti pot or other container. Taking certain herbal supplements such as Spirulina, Stinging Nettle Leaf and Quercetin may provide antihistamine effects which help decrease histamines produced in your body that trigger allergies; Vitamin C also offers immunity-regulating benefits; however always consult your physician prior to trying any new herbs or supplements.
Alternative home remedies that may help manage allergy symptoms include using air filters to filter out allergens and keeping humidity levels down to reduce mold and dust production, or installing dehumidifiers in your home to keep air dry. If severe allergy symptoms develop, medical assistance should be sought immediately.
If allergy medicines are not helping relieve your symptoms, visit an allergist for testing and advice on possible remedies that will best meet your individual needs. They will suggest the most suitable course of action.
Allergies vary between people, but all involve an overreaction by your immune system to substances it perceives as foreign. Seasonal allergies like pollen or spores floating through the air or year-round allergens like pet dander and dust mites require finding effective allergy solutions – whether medication or alternative therapies are employed – in order to provide relief from them effectively.
